How to Remove Blackheads Without Damaging Your Skin

We all want smooth, clear skin, but for most of us, blemishes and acne are a fact of life. Blackheads, little clogged pores that look black, aren't dangerous, but they can be unsightly. If you decide to treat them yourself, learn how to do it the right way so you don’t damage or scar your skin.

What Are Blackheads & Why Do They Form?

Blackheads are one of the most common forms of acne. Acne is caused when your pores get clogged with oil and dead skin. The clogged pores form a domed bump called a comedo. If the comedo is open, it’s a blackhead – a small black, painless bump. If the comedo is closed, filled with pus, is painful or inflamed, it’s a whitehead.²

Blackheads occur when you produce too much oil and bacteria on your skin. Oil production can increase during hormonal changes like puberty or pregnancy, or when you take drugs like corticosteroids, birth control pills, lithium, and androgens.^1,2

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Blackheads

You may be tempted to remove blackheads with special products or tools or even with your fingers. But removing them the wrong way can do more harm than good. 

• Squeezing or picking with fingers/nails: This can introduce new bacteria and oil into the pore. Your nails can also damage your skin, especially if it's sensitive.⁴

• Using harsh scrubs or tools: Scrubs can be hard on the skin, causing irritation and scars, especially for sensitive or dry skin. An extracting loop, a tool that dermatologists use to clear pores, can damage your skin. Your dermatologist is a professional who’s been trained to use this tool safely. At-home use can result in scarring.⁴

• Overusing pore strips or drying products: Pore strips and alcohol-based toners can remove the natural oils and hair follicles that help your skin stay supple. They can dry or irritate your skin or cause your oil glands to work overtime to replace the oils that are stripped away. The extra oil can cause a break out.4

Gentle Cleansing is the First Step

The best way to prevent blackheads is to clean your face regularly to keep your pores unclogged. Choose a gentle cleanser that is noncomedogenic and fragrance free. 

In the morning, wash away excess oil and bacteria that accumulates while you sleep. Before bed, wash off the dirt and oil from the day as well as any cosmetics and sun screen. Your face shouldn’t feel tight or dry after washing.

Exfoliation Methods That Help Prevent Blackheads 

Exfoliation removes the outer layer of skin from your face, reducing scarring, sun damage, and fine lines. Regular exfoliation also can keep your pores unclogged and remove existing blackheads. 

There are two types of exfoliation: physical and chemical.

Physical exfoliation uses a scrub, brush, or washcloth to mechanically remove dead skin cells. As mentioned above, this method can damage your skin and its barrier.

Chemical exfoliation is a better choice for controlling blackheads as it’s gentler on your skin. It uses chemicals like glycolic acid, salicyclic acid, or azelaic acid to remove the dead skin cells and oil from your pores. Ease into exfoliation as it can irritate your skin.

Azelaic Acid 14% Cream is gentle enough for all skin types. In addition to helping unclog your pores, it helps keep your skin hydrated and has an antibacterial property to minimize breakouts, without stinging or irritating even sensitive skin.

Hydration & Moisturizing Without Clogging Pores

After cleansing and exfoliating, you need to keep your skin hydrated. Hydration and moisturizing is essential for clear pores as it keeps your skin from drying and flaking.

Choose a moisturizer like Hyaluronic Acid Lotion that helps balance your skin’s oiliness and dryness. Hyaluronic acid is a substance your body naturally produces to hydrate your skin by pulling water into your body. It’s also less likely to irritate sensitive skin and is well tolerated for both dry and oily skin.

Hyaluronic Acid Lotion combines the benefits of hyaluronic acid with anti-inflammatory and moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and extracts of chamomile, green tea, and olive. It protects your skin barrier and improves skin texture and tone. It’s a smart choice for deeper-level hydration that leaves skin smoother and healthier.

Prevention Blackheads Long-Term

Adopt a healthy skin care routine to keep your skin healthy and prevent acne.

• Wash your face every morning and evening using a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water to remove dirt and oil without damaging your skin barrier.

• Moisturize every time you wash your face to replenish your skin barrier and keep your skin supple.

• Choose noncomedogenic products that won’t clog your pores. Look for fragrance-free products that won’t irritate or dry out your skin.

• Don’t go to sleep without removing your makeup.

• Avoid touching your face, which transfers oil and dirt to your face.

A great addition to your skin care routine is a gentle daily exfoliant like Azelaic Acid 14% Cream. It gives you medical-grade exfoliant without stinging or irritating even sensitive skin. Plus, it reduces inflammation and destroys bacteria to help skin heal and prevent breakouts. 

Why Choose Foundation Skincare for Blackhead Care

Foundation Skincare products are formulated to work well together, meaning you can layer the products for best results. You can trust Foundation Skincare to use the clinically-proven ingredients and work with dermatologists to formulate the most impactful yet gentle products that show visible results with consistent use. Plus, we offer free shipping and a money-back guarantee to make sure you are satisfied with each purchase. 

Blackheads are unsightly, but can be prevented with careful and consistent skin care. Keep a balance between caring for your skin and damaging it from overtreatment. As always, if you have questions about your skin care routine, consult your dermatologist. 

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References:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22038-blackheads

2. https://www.healthline.com/health/blackheads

3. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/diy/types-breakouts

4. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-get-rid-of-blackheads#What-you-can-do